Bill > SB2625

This bill prohibits railroad companies from blocking railroad crossings, defined as any intersection of a public road and a railroad track, for more than thirty consecutive minutes, specifically when such crossings are the primary access to hospitals, residential areas, or occupied homes based on traffic volume. Violations can result in civil penalties, starting at $1,000 for a first offense and potentially increasing to $3,000 for subsequent offenses at the same crossing within an 18-month period, with the penalties assessed by the commissioner of transportation after a hearing process outlined in the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. Collected penalties are divided, with 15% going to the department of transportation for administrative costs and 85% distributed to the affected county or municipality for railroad crossing improvements. The bill also clarifies that railroad companies are not exempt from civil liability for any harm caused to individuals, such as those in emergency vehicles, if they are obstructed at a crossing due to a violation.